Man repeatedly hit partner in face after ramming her car

A MAN who beat up his partner in the middle of a Derbyshire street has walked free from court.

George Iftimie rained punches on his girlfriend in broad daylight and was only stopped when members of the public intervened.

The 29-year-old also rammed into the vehicle his partner was in with a car during the incident, which took place on March 13, this year, in Highfields Way, Holmewood, Chesterfield.

Iftimie, of Highfields Way, Holmewood, walked free from Derby Crown Court after pleading guilty to assault by beating, dangerous driving and driving with no insurance.

Sarah Phelan, prosecuting, told the court police were called to the street by neighbours.

She said: “One witness heard a loud crash and saw a Vauxhall car driven by the defendant.

“The defendant was reversing and pushing into a Kia repeatedly. That stopped and both the complainant and defendant exited their vehicles.

“Witnesses describe the defendant using a closed fist punching the complainant in the face mouth and face. He then pushed her around. During this, the defendant was shouting and swearing at the complainant.”

Although police arrived after the incident had taken place, witness statements from neighbours pointed them in the direction of Iftimie and the victim. She was found to have cuts and bleeding to her face, and Iftimie was arrested.

At the sentencing hearing, Iftimie’s partner said she wished to rekindle the relationship with him, saying she was “hoping he can change”.

Recorder Adrian Reynolds said Iftimie’s behaviour showed “an absolutely shocking disregard” for someone he loved. He added he was prepared to accept Iftimie’s claim that he was sorry for what he had done and said he should be “ashamed”.

However, he said he was mindful of his mitigation and the fact he had already been in prison for two months. He said: “There’s no reason if you behave yourself you cannot have a nice future and because your partner wishes to reconcile with you, you are going to be subject to the court keeping a careful eye on you.”

Recorder Reynolds sentenced Iftimie to 12 months imprisonment, suspended for two years. He was also ordered to undertake 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days, a 31-day programme to improve his relationship skills and disqualified from driving for 12 months with the condition of undertaking an extended retest.